The Neolithic Bow Case from Lenk, Schnidejoch. A Technological and Cultural Analysis

The find of a yet unknown type of birch bark container in the site of Schnidejoch (Bernese Alps, Switzerland) was a surprise, for in all the wetland or lakeshore sites of Europe no parallels to this unique object are known to date. First, when only a small part was discovered, it was supposed to have been part of an arrow quiver. However, with the final appearance of the ca. 170 cm long container, it needed a new interpretation. The yew bow found at the same site, 160.5 cm long, would fit perfectly inside. Two silex arrowheads found in the bottom confirm an association with archery. The find could be identified as the first Neolithic bow case